In this article, I will provide information about the Indian GI Tag products. In fact, more than 600 GI-tagged products are registered in India. In simple terms, GI tag products are famous, handmade, and authentic products from various geographical regions. The Indian GI and global GI tag systems and products are different.
Since Indian GI tag products became famous, these products have become even more popular. The demand for GI tag products that are handmade and made from natural resources is increasing today. GI tags have led to increased job creation, and the people who make or create GI tag products are now receiving recognition.
In competitive exams, many questions are often asked about GI tags. Therefore, it is essential to have information about GI tags. For example, a question about Bt brinjal/eggplant was once asked in the UPSC preliminary exam. They might also ask you about GI tags related to your region, city, or state during an interview. It is essential to be familiar with GI Tags, as they are a common general knowledge question.
Some of the major GI tag products from India are world-famous –
1. Kolhapuri Chappal –
Kolhapuri chappals are primarily made in the Kolhapur district (Maharashtra). Kolhapuri chappals are famous for their craftsmanship, intricate designs, and durability. These are handmade sandals that are excellent in appearance and comfortable to wear.
No adhesive liquid is used in making Kolhapuri chappals; instead, they are hand-stitched. Some famous types of Kolhapuri chappals include Maharaj Chappal, Senapati Kapsi Chappal, Dhangari Chappal, and Kolhapuri Saaj Chappal. Red, yellow, golden, and black colors are famous in these sandals. These sandals are made from pure leather. The King of Kolhapur, the late Shahu Maharaj, himself used these sandals and popularized them.
2. Saharanpur Carved Furniture –
The largest furniture market in India is in Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh). The furniture here is especially famous for its craftsmanship. This means that the furniture here is not machine-made or readymade. Each piece of furniture is intricately carved. Although the furniture here is expensive, it is still primarily used in palaces and luxury homes.
This furniture is exported to many countries. Hand-carved furniture from here is used in the Indian Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), and other major government offices and ministries. This furniture is also used in almost all Indian embassy offices. Saharanpur furniture has also received the Indian GI tag.
3. Moradabad Brass Utensils –
Moradabad has been given the status of the Brass City of India. Moradabad’s brass products, such as brass utensils, brass plates, and brass furniture, are world-famous. Beautiful carvings are also done on the utensils and other brass products. In earlier times, during the era of kings and emperors, these utensils were used in palaces. Even though the use of brass utensils has decreased today, there is still curiosity about them.
Today, the demand for brass utensils in India has increased tremendously. Using brass utensils at home is considered a sign of royalty. Since brass utensils have received the Indian GI tag, their popularity has increased. Although there are fewer skilled workers who create intricately carved brass utensils, this business has flourished.
4. Firozabad, the Glass City of India –
Firozabad is now known as the Glass City of India. Firozabad’s glass products have also received the Indian GI tag. Beautiful carvings are also done on the glass items here. Glass items such as chandeliers, glass lamps, glass utensils, tea cups, and bangles are famous. Many glass items found in Indian markets come from Firozabad.
The livelihood of the people here depends on the glass industry. Today, the chandeliers, glass glasses, and glass lamps found in many palaces across India are made in this city. Even in the age of plastic, this city has maintained its unique identity.
5. Tirupati Laddu (Tirupati) –
The Tirupati Laddu is not just a food item, but a sacred offering (prasad). This laddu has been made in the temple since ancient times. The specialty of this laddu is that it is made entirely from organic ingredients. It uses lentils, ghee, and dry fruits.
Every devotee who visits the Tirupati temple receives this laddu as prasad. No artificial colors or substances are used in this laddu, making it healthy for the body. Compared to other laddus, this one is also larger in size. Many laddu businesses have sprung up in the Tirupati area, creating new employment opportunities for the local people.
6. Narsoba Wadi (Nrusinhawadi) –
Narsoba Wadi is also known as Nrusinhawadi. This village in Kolhapur district (Maharashtra) is famous for its Narasimha temple and for its Basundi, a sweet dish made from milk. Although sweet, this dish is considered beneficial for health. It is said that even people in this village who have diabetes enjoy this dish. It is made from the milk of indigenous cows and does not contain any food coloring or artificial substances.
Similarly, the naturally and organically grown brinjal /eggplants from this village are also famous. Narsoba Wadi (Nrusinhawadi) is the first village in India where two products from the same village have received the Indian GI tag.
The brinjal of Narsoba Wadi (Nrusinhawadi) has also received the Indian GI tag. This brinjal is known as Krishnakathchi Vangi (brinjal from the banks of the Krishna river). This brinjal has a unique, naturally occurring color. In this entire village, no one uses fertilizers while cultivating brinjals. The brinjals here are grown entirely organically.
7. Kannauj, the Perfume City of India –
The city of Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh) is known for its fragrant perfumes and attars. The attar from this city has received an Indian GI (Geographical Indication) tag because it is made using natural and traditional methods. No artificial fragrances are used in the attar produced here, and it is safe for application on the body. Many perfumes available in the market use various chemicals and fragrant oils in their production.
Although the attar from Kannauj is expensive, it is organic and natural. This city has been famous for producing attar and fragrant products since ancient times. The rose water produced here is also in great demand abroad. The raw materials required for world-famous scent and perfume brands are produced in Kannauj. Similarly, the wax and fragrant oils needed for scented soaps and scented candles are also manufactured in this city.